Inspiration

Five Unique Ways to See Fall Foliage in Michigan

Bored of fall foliage trip lists that just suggest the usual walking and biking trips? We’ve trekked through dozens of blogs for you to curate this list of unique ways to do the changing colors. You’re not going to find a single snooze-fest saunter on it.

We start off with a fun one. There are loads of wine trails you can take in the autumn but we’re partial to the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail which; we think, is better suited for the weather. Here’s what they say about the experience:

‘The beachfront towns and the breathtaking sunsets add to the wine lovers’ experience. We even collaborate with our friends to the north, when their seasons are shortened by weather. The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail brings the best harvest, wines and experiences as you enjoy award-winning Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Gewurztraminer, and yes, ice wines. We have wines to meet all taste palates. ‘

You must jump on this one quick! Here’s your chance to Tarzan through the trees in all their fall glory. We think this is the coolest experience on the list, so if you’ve already missed it for this year, why not bookmark it for next? Here’s what Frankenmuth Aerial Park offers:

‘An aerial park is a combination of ladders, bridges, climbing elements and zip lines spread throughout acres of wooded beauty. Climbers proceed from platform to platform through the course elements, then enjoy a short zip to the next set of elements. Our newest course, FrankenZip, is a fan-favorite with 7 long zip lines at heights ranging from 15 – 35 feet off the ground.’

There are many drives to choose from but we’re partial to the little covered road near our hotel in Houghton. It’s a real hidden gem. Here’s what Keweenaw.info says about the drive:

‘Located west of Houghton, off the Houghton Canal Road, the “Covered Road” is a scenic dirt road with a tunnel of trees that make it look like it was a scene taken straight out of a movie. Especially beautiful in the fall, this off the beaten path drive will lead you to the ghost town of Redridge, the historic Redridge Dam and Lake Superior. ‘

For those looking for some solace and Instagram-worthy, fall foliage snaps, we think this is a shoe-in.

This entry is designed to tempt the foodie in you. Not only will you see fall foliage but you’ll taste the flavors of the season with this tempting list. Choose three or four to make a week of it! Our favorite is Grandpa’s Cider Mill, and it’s easy to see why:

‘A 50-foot glass wall puts our entire press process on display. We press from early September through November. Our Cider Mill features a fresh country bakery with fresh fruit pies and apple cider donuts. You can shop our gourmet market or enjoy a bakery treat seven days a week, year-round.’

Our last entry is all about the stunning wilderness. Experience the raw power of nature at the Upper Falls in the Tahquamenon Falls State Park in bright autumnal glory. Here’s a taste of what there is to explore:

‘The centerpiece of Tahquamenon Falls State Park’s 50,000 acres is the Tahquamenon River with its waterfalls. The Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, has a drop of nearly 50 feet, more than 200 feet across and a water flow of more than 50,000 gallons per second.’

It’s not just about the falls or the fall foliage, there is a ton of local wildlife to spot as well.